FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly defended the 2026 World Cup, accusing critics of spreading hate and false rumours while insisting the tournament delivered only joy and happiness.
In an open letter published Monday on FIFA platforms and his Instagram account, Infantino rejected what he called relentless negativity surrounding the competition jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” he wrote, addressing detractors directly.
He continued: “To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens, spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world.”
Infantino claimed the event proceeded without violence or incidents, stating: “We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness.”
The tournament had drawn criticism over high ticket prices, visa restrictions, geopolitical tensions, extreme summer temperatures and the participation of teams from conflict zones or countries facing health challenges. Issues included a Somali referee being denied US entry and scrutiny of Iran’s involvement.
Defending FIFA’s handling of politics, Infantino said the organisation had united two countries at war. “While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” he stated. “The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about politics.”
He also addressed refereeing controversies, including the decision to clear US forward Folarin Balogun to play after intervention linked to US President Donald Trump, which UEFA had condemned as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.” Infantino maintained such decisions are routine in major leagues.
“It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising,” he concluded.
